Fernbank Science Center

Presented by:
Fernbank Science Center
Location:
Fernbank Science Center
Today – 10/2/2010

Monday through Wednesday from 12 to 5 p.m.
Thursday and Friday from 12 to 9 p.m.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Event Description

Come explore the adventures of science through this museum, classroom and woodland complex. The facility covers four acres on the edge of the 65-acre Fernbank Forest and offers educational programs for the entire family to enjoy.

The Fernbank Forest offers visitors the opportunity to observe firsthand the beauty of forest land as early explorers and Southern Native Americans would have done hundreds of years ago. Trees, shrubs, wildflowers and ferns are labeled so they can be readily identified. Animals such as squirrels, chipmunks, birds, turtles and snakes live undisturbed in their natural environment.

The Exhibit Hall is split over two levels and has numerous displays that deal with a whole array of scientific concepts. The upper level houses permanent exhibits, including the live animals exhibit featuring poison dart frogs, snakes, turtles, spiders and more. The lower exhibit hall functions as the temporary display area with changing exhibits, traveling exhibits and more.

The Compost Site is located behind the main building and includes numerous types of working compost bins, a vegetable garden, a butterfly garden and different species of plants used for landscaping purposes.

The Jim Cherry Memorial Planetarium offers a unique opportunity to learn about the night sky. The 500-seat theater, equipped with a 70-foot dome, a Mark V. Zeiss star projector and more than 100 special effects projectors, is one of the largest planetariums in the United States. It offers a rotating schedule of shows.

The Fernbank Observatory houses a 0.9 meter (36 inch) Cassegrain reflector beneath a 10 meter (30 ft.) dome. An astronomer is available to position the telescope and answer questions.

The Fernbank Library collection consists primarily of materials dealing with science and technology. Astronomy, botany, ecology and horticulture are the strengths of the collection.

The Meteorology and Siesmology Laboratory houses equipment used for recording atmospheric and seismological events. Special programs are offered in the laboratory throughout the year.

Ticket Information

Science Center Admission: Free!
Planetarium Show Admission:
Adults: $4
Seniors/Students: $3

Venue Information

Fernbank Science Center
156 Heaton Park Dr. NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone: 678-874-7102